The Outcast Girls - (World's End Bureau Mystery) by Alys Clare

About the Book

1881. Girls are going missing from Shardlowes School, and private detective Lily Raynor, owner of the World's End Investigation Bureau, is hired to investigate. Disguised as a nurse, she joins the staff, while her employee, Felix Wilbraham, remains behind. Lily thinks she's safe - but Felix can't shake off his fear that she's in grave danger .

Book Synopsis

Private investigators Lily Raynor and Felix Wilbraham get more than they bargain for when they take on a case in a girls' boarding school, in the latest World's End Bureau Victorian mystery.

London, 1881. Lily Raynor, owner of the World's End Investigation Bureau, is growing increasingly worried. Work is drying up, finances are tight and she cannot find enough for her sole employee, Felix Wilbraham, to do. So when schoolteacher Georgiana Long arrives, with a worrying tale of runaway pupils, it seems like the answer to her prayers. The case is an interesting one, and what could be less perilous than a trip to a girls' boarding school, out in the Fens?

Disguised as the new Assistant Matron, Lily joins the Shardlowes School staff, while Felix - suppressing his worries about his cool, calm employer - remains behind. But there are undercurrents at Shardlowes, and the shadowy, powerful men who fund the school's less fortunate pupils loom larger as Felix's own investigations unfold. Felix can't shake off his fear that Lily is in danger - and soon, his premonitions come frighteningly true . . .

From the Back Cover

ALYS CLARE THE OUTCAST GIRLS "I must, I fear, speak bluntly. Girls are going missing . . ." London, 1881. Lily Raynor, owner of the World's End Investigation Bureau, is growing increasingly worried. Work is drying up, finances are tight and she cannot find enough for her sole employee, Felix Wilbraham, to do. So when schoolteacher Georgiana Long arrives, with a worrying tale of runaway pupils, it seems like the answer to her prayers. The case is an interesting one, and what could be less perilous than a trip to a girls' boarding school, out in the Fens? Disguised as the new Assistant Matron, Lily joins the Shardlowes School staff, while Felix - suppressing his worries about his cool, calm employer - remains behind. But there are undercurrents at Shardlowes, and the shadowy, powerful men who fund the school's less fortunate pupils loom larger as Felix's own investigations unfold. Felix can't shake off his fear that Lily is in danger - and soon, his premonitions come frighteningly true . . .

Review Quotes

Engaging, dark, atmospheric, and, at times, quite charming and humorous . . . A fine choice for all mystery collections-- "Booklist on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

Impressive . . . the solid plotting, colorful Victorian settings, and fun detective duo bode well for future instalments-- "Publishers Weekly on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

Marvelous-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

The author's writing style, likable characters, and intriguing plot will draw in readers . . . Recommended for historical and traditional mystery lovers-- "Library Journal on The Woman Who Spoke to Spirits"

"Mystery and social commentary combine in a heartbreaking and sadly relevant tale" - Kirkus Reviews

"Chilling ... Anne Perry fans will want to check this out" - Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Alys Clare lives in the English countryside where her novels are set. She went to school in Tonbridge and later studied archaeology at the University of Kent. She is also the author of the Hawkenlye, Aelf Fen and Gabriel Taverner historical mystery series.